The Hancock Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) Junior High Program Class of 2018 spent their most recent session learning about local governments by visiting with elected officials in Hancock County and municipalities.

The 2018 HYLA Junior High School Class is comprised of twenty-four eighth graders from Hancock County who represent all four area middle schools (Bay/Waveland Middle, Hancock Middle, Our Lady Academy and St. Stanislaus). On Tuesday, January 30th, the group began their local government day at Waveland City Hall where they were greeted by Mayor Mike Smith, Police Chief David Allen, and Alderman Jeremy Burke. The students were enlightened about the style of government and the different layers of opportunities of law enforcement. Next, the students traveled to the Hancock County Annex Building where they were treated to delicious donuts sponsored by Mickey Lagasse of Compton Engineering. There, students met with Hancock County Board President Blaine Lafontaine, Tax Assessor Jimmy Ladner, Chancery Clerk Tim Kellar, and Circuit Clerk Karen Ruhr and learned about their roles in County Government. The group then traveled to the Hancock County’s Public Safety Complex. Sheriff Ricky Adam and Warden Brandon Zeringue talked with them about law enforcement and they toured the jail complex. The day ended with a visit to Diamondhead City Hall where Mayor Thomas Schafer arranged the students’ participation in a mock city council meeting.

The Hancock Youth Leadership Academy is the only county-wide youth leadership program in Hancock County and is a program of the Hancock Resource Center. HYLA is funded by sponsorships and donations from the local community. If you are interested in supporting the Hancock Youth Leadership Academy, contact Hancock Resource Center by visiting the website www.hancockhrc.org or call 228-463-8887 to learn how.